Help paying a security deposit or moving costs
Ask for the right kind of help before committing to a new place.
Being able to afford monthly rent does not always mean having first month, last month and a deposit ready at once. Philadelphia has homelessness-prevention and move-in assistance routes, but funds are limited and some providers require a referral. Start while you are still housed when possible.
Sources reviewed November 3, 2026. This is a researched starting point, not an eligibility decision or a live availability check. Confirm current funding, openings, requirements and costs directly with the provider. No account or personal information is needed to read this guide.
Practical next steps
Contact OHS about preventing a housing crisis
Call the Office of Homeless Services at (215) 686-7177. Explain that you need security-deposit or move-in assistance, whether you are still housed, and your move deadline. You can ask to be screened even if the problem is an unaffordable rent increase rather than back rent; OHS decides eligibility.
Ask which costs and referral routes are covered
Ask separately about the security deposit, first or last month's rent, and moving expenses. A program that helps with one does not necessarily cover all of them. RHD's Homeless Prevention Program lists move-in and deposit assistance, but referrals must come through OHS.
Check requirements before paying or signing
Ask whether the program must approve the landlord, apartment, lease or inspection before you commit. Confirm how payment works and whether money goes directly to the landlord. Do not assume a program will reimburse costs already paid.
Prepare only what the provider requests
Keep the rent-increase or move-out notice, current lease, proposed move-in costs and proof of income available. Requirements differ. Submit documents only through the provider's official secure process—not through this site or an unsolicited message.
Address the ongoing rent as well as the upfront gap
A one-time deposit payment does not make an unaffordable monthly rent sustainable. Ask a housing counselor about realistic rental costs and other supports. If a rent increase is causing the move, use the related guide to get tenant advice too.
Resource starting points
- Office of Homeless Services: prevention assistance
The City lists assistance with overdue rent or a security deposit for a new home.
Call the Homelessness Prevention InfoLine and follow its instructions. If you need help applying, contact OHSPrevention@phila.gov.
OHS screens people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Funding and program rules apply.
Ask about current funds and response times; assistance is not guaranteed.
- RHD Homeless Prevention Program
Published services include move-in costs, security deposits, rent arrears and housing-stability support.
Request an OHS referral; RHD says all referrals must come through OHS.
Referral-based screening, not a separate public grant application.
Confirm the referral, covered costs and funding before making commitments.
- Pennsylvania Emergency Shelter Allowance
A limited state allowance for eligible people facing a housing crisis; the published maximum is $400.
Contact your County Assistance Office. If not already receiving benefits, the state says an Application for Benefits is also required.
Income/resource and other rules apply. The CAO requires proof that the allowance will resolve the housing crisis.
This is not a full moving-cost grant; the amount depends on the situation.
- PhillyTenant rental-assistance directory
Additional leads for deposits or back rent, including geographically targeted and family-specific programs.
Choose a relevant provider and ask whether it currently accepts applications for the specific cost you need.
Each provider has its own household, location or referral rules.
Some funding notes on this directory are older. Verify rather than assuming funds are available.
Helpful things to know
A useful way to ask
“We are trying to prevent homelessness. We can contribute toward a move, but cannot cover all the upfront costs. Can you screen us for security-deposit or relocation assistance, or refer us to a funded provider?”
Do not rely on a closed application
The City's published FreshStartPHL notice says enrollment is closed. Do not treat an older article or application link as an available grant. Check current status directly.
Common questions
Do we have to enter a shelter before asking for help?
OHS describes assistance for people experiencing homelessness and people at risk. Contact prevention services while still housed if possible; staff determine the appropriate route. This guide does not establish eligibility.
Will someone cover first month, last month and security?
Not necessarily. Ask each provider exactly which costs it can cover, what contribution is required and whether other aid can be combined. There is no guarantee that one program will cover the whole amount.
What if I cannot get through?
Follow the OHS InfoLine instructions. The City also lists OHSPrevention@phila.gov for help applying. Keep a record of contact dates and ask providers about response times; a published program is not a promise of same-day help.